Conveyor device at least for conveying a fluid and pump comprising such a conveyor device

ABSTRACT

A conveyor device for conveying at least a fluid, comprises at least one conveyor chamber, at least one dimensionally stable conveyor chamber element formed separately from a housing in particular and at least partly delimits the conveyor chamber and at least one elastically deformable conveyor element, in particular a conveyor membrane, which together with the conveyor chamber element delimits the conveyor chamber and is arranged on the conveyor chamber element. The conveyor chamber element comprises at least one connecting piece for a fluid supply line adapter designed to differ from a tube, and/or at least one connecting piece, in particular an additional connecting piece, for a fluid discharge line adapter, which is designed to differ from a tube, said connecting piece/connecting pieces being arranged on a conveyor chamber element face facing away from the conveyor element, in particular on the exterior of the conveyor chamber element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. national stage of PCT/EP2020/079821 filedon Oct. 22, 2020, which claims priority of German Patent Application No.10 2019 128 682.4 filed on Oct. 23, 2019, the contents of which areincorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a conveyor device for at least conveying afluid and to a pump with such a conveyor device.

BACKGROUND

A conveyor device for at least conveying a fluid is already known fromDE 10 2017 104 400 A1, wherein the already known conveyor devicecomprises at least one conveyor chamber, at least one dimensionallystable conveyor chamber element that at least partially delimits theconveyor chamber and at least one elastically deformable, particularlyannular, conveyor element that delimits the conveyor chamber togetherwith the conveyor chamber element and is arranged on the conveyorchamber element. DE 10 2017 104 400 A1 also discloses a pump with such aconveyor device.

Furthermore, a pump for at least conveying a fluid is already known fromDE 10 2012 023 900 A1, wherein the pump comprises at least one conveyordevice that is designed in the form of an elastically deformable pumphose and has at least one conveyor chamber, an elastically deformableconveyor chamber element and at least one elastically deformableconveyor element, which delimits the conveyor chamber together with theconveyor chamber element and is arranged integrally with the conveyorchamber element, and wherein the conveyor chamber element is made of afirmer material than the conveyor element, but in principle is stillelastic.

In addition, conveyor devices for at least conveying a fluid are alreadyknown from U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,006,049 and 3,922,119, wherein theseconveyor devices comprise at least one conveyor chamber, at least onedimensionally stable conveyor chamber element that at least partiallydelimits the conveyor chamber and at least one elastically deformableconveyor element that delimits the conveyor chamber together with theconveyor chamber element and is arranged on the conveyor chamberelement, and wherein the conveyor chamber element comprises at least oneconnecting piece for a fluid supply line adapter and/or at least oneconnecting piece for a fluid discharge line adapter, which is/arearranged on a side of the conveyor chamber element facing away from theconveyor element.

SUMMARY

The disclosure particularly is based on the objective of makingavailable a conveyor device and/or a pump of the initially describedtype, which has/have improved properties with respect to an advantageousservice function and/or an advantageous conveying function. According tothe disclosure, this objective is attained with the characteristics ofclaim 1 whereas advantageous embodiments and enhancements of thedisclosure can be gathered from the dependent claims.

The disclosure is based on a conveyor device for at least conveying afluid with at least one conveyor chamber, with at least onedimensionally stable conveyor chamber element that particularly isformed separately from a housing and at least partially delimits theconveyor chamber and with at least one elastically deformable conveyorelement, particularly a conveyor membrane, that delimits the conveyorchamber together with the conveyor chamber element and is arranged onthe conveyor chamber element, wherein the conveyor chamber elementcomprises at least one connecting piece for a fluid supply line adapter,which particularly is designed to differ from a hose, and/or at leastone additional connecting piece for a fluid discharge line adapter,which particularly is designed to differ from a hose, and wherein saidconnecting piece/connecting pieces is/are arranged on a side,particularly on an outer side, of the conveyor chamber element facingaway from the conveyor element.

It is proposed that the conveyor device comprises at least one movementcompensation unit that is at least designed for at least partiallycompensating and/or damping relative movements between the fluid supplyline adapter and the connecting piece when the connecting piece isconnected to the fluid supply line adapter and/or for at least partiallycompensating and/or damping relative movements between the fluiddischarge line adapter and, in particular, the additional connectingpiece when the additional connecting piece is connected to the fluiddischarge line adapter. The movement compensation unit preferablycomprises at least one damping element that is arranged between theconnecting piece and the fluid supply line adapter and at least oneadditional damping element that is arranged between the additionalconnecting piece and the fluid discharge line adapter. The dampingelement and/or, in particular, the additional damping element preferablyis/are made of an elastomer. The damping element and/or, in particular,the additional damping element preferably is/are designed in the form ofan O-ring. However, it is also conceivable that the movementcompensation unit has a different design deemed sensible by a personskilled in the art. The fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluiddischarge line adapter preferably are designed in a tubular manner. Thefluid supply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapterparticularly have a dimensionally stable hollow-cylindrical shape.However, it is also conceivable that the fluid supply line adapterand/or the fluid discharge line adapter have a different design deemedsensible by a person skilled in the art. The connecting piece and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece preferably is/are intendedfor producing a form-fitting and/or frictional connection with the fluidsupply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapter. In thiscontext, the term “intended” particularly means specially constructed,specially designed and/or specially equipped. The phrase an elementand/or a unit is/are intended for a certain function particularly meansthat the element and/or the unit fulfills/fulfill and/or carriesout/carry out this certain function in at least an application stateand/or operational state. The connecting piece and/or, in particular,the additional connecting piece may have at least one fixing element forfixing the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge lineadapter on the connecting piece and/or, in particular, the additionalconnecting piece. The fixing element may be designed in the form of athread, a bayonet coupling, an engagement hook or an engagement recessor in the form of a different fixing element deemed sensible by a personskilled in the art. The connecting piece and/or, in particular, theadditional connecting piece preferably are intended for producing africtional connection with the fluid supply line adapter and/or thefluid discharge line adapter. The fluid supply line adapter and/or thefluid discharge line adapter particularly can be inserted into theconnecting piece and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece.The connecting piece and/or, in particular, the additional connectingpiece preferably are arranged on an outer side of the conveyor chamberelement.

The conveyor chamber element preferably is designed in an annularmanner. The conveyor chamber element preferably has a slotted annulardesign. Viewed in a plane, particularly in a plane extending at leastessentially perpendicular to a drive axis of the drive shaft, theconveyor chamber element particularly has a cross-sectional shape thatessentially is composed of a circular arc or an open ring, which extendsalong an angular range of less than 360° and, in particular, more than90°, and two transverse extensions, which extend transverse to thecircular arc or to the open ring and directly border on the circular arcor the open ring, particularly in end regions of the circular arc or theopen ring. The conveyor chamber element preferably is at least mostly,in particular completely, made of a plastic, particularly aninjection-moulded plastic. However, it is also conceivable that theconveyor chamber element is made of a different material deemed sensibleby a person skilled in the art, e.g. of a biodegradable material, ametal or the like, and/or that the conveyor chamber element ismanufactured by means of a different manufacturing process deemedsensible by a person skilled in the art, e.g. by means of a 3D printingprocess, a cutting process, a milling process, a diecasting process orthe like.

The conveyor element preferably is at least mostly, in particularcompletely, made of a rubber, particularly a synthetic rubber. Forexample, the conveyor element may be made of anethylene-propylene-diene-(monomer) rubber (EPDM), a fluorocarbon rubberor fluororubber (FC), an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) or thelike. Other materials deemed sensible by a person skilled in the art arelikewise conceivable.

The conveyor element preferably has a base body. The base bodyparticularly has an annular design. A conveying side of the base bodypreferably is arranged on a side of the base body facing away from anactivation side of the base body. The conveying side particularly formsan outer side of the base body. The activation side preferably forms aninner side of the base body. At least one activation extension of theconveyor element preferably is arranged on the activation side. Theactivation extension preferably is intended for interacting with atransmission element of a drive unit of a pump comprising the conveyordevice, particularly with at least two transmission elements of thedrive unit. The transmission element/s preferably is/are arranged on adriving element of the drive unit of the pump comprising the conveyordevice. The base body preferably has a slotted annular design. Viewed ina plane, particularly in a plane extending at least essentiallyperpendicular to a drive axis of the drive shaft, the base bodyparticularly has a cross-sectional shape that essentially is composed ofa circular arc or an open ring, which extends along an angular range ofless than 360° and, in particular, more than 90°, and two inlet and/oroutlet extensions, which extend transverse to the circular arc or to theopen ring and directly border on the circular arc or the open ring,particularly in end regions of the circular arc or the open ring. Theactivation extension preferably is arranged on the base body,particularly on an inner side of the base body, in the region of acircular arc extent or ring extent of the base body. A maximumlongitudinal extent of the activation extension particularly is at least5% smaller, preferably 10% and especially at least 20% smaller, than amaximum longitudinal extent of the base body. The activation extensionpreferably extends at least essentially along an overall extent of thecircular arc or the open ring of the base body, particularly up to endregions of the circular arc or the open ring, on which an inlet and/oroutlet extension of the base body is respectively arranged. Theactivation extension particularly extends on the activation side alongan angular range of less than 360°, preferably less than 350° andespecially more than 180°.

The conveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane, advantageouslycan be moved away from a counter surface of the conveyor chamberelement, particularly lifted off the counter surface, as a result of theeffect of a driving force that acts in a direction facing away from theactivation side, particularly in order to generate a vacuum in theconveyor chamber. A vacuum that particularly is lower than −0.1 bar,preferably lower than −0.2 bar and especially lower than −0.3 bar,particularly referred to an atmospheric pressure surrounding theconveyor device, preferably can be generated as a result of a movementof the conveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane, away fromthe counter surface. This makes it possible to achieve an advantageousconveyance of a medium to be conveyed into the conveyor chamber of theconveyor device, which is at least partially delimited by the countersurface and the conveying surface.

The conveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane, preferably canbe driven by means of the drive unit in such a way that a conveyance ofa medium to be conveyed, particularly a fluid, can be realized inaccordance with a traveling wave principle (see, e.g., the disclosure ofEP 1 317 626 B1). The drive unit may be designed in the form of amechanical drive unit, a magnetic drive unit, a piezoelectric driveunit, a hydraulic drive unit, a pneumatic drive unit, an electric driveunit, a magnetorheologic drive unit, a carbontubes drive unit, acombination of the aforementioned types of drive units or in the form ofa different drive unit deemed sensible by a person skilled in the art.The drive unit preferably has at least the driving element that isintended for acting upon the conveyor element, particularly the conveyormembrane. However, it is also conceivable that the drive unit has morethan one driving element intended for acting upon the conveyor element.The driving element preferably is intended for causing an elasticdeformation of the conveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane,as a result of an effect of a driving force on the conveyor element,particularly the conveyor membrane. The driving element may have anydesign deemed sensible by a person skilled in the art, e.g. in the formof a plunger, an extension, an engagement ring, a hook, a grippingelement or the like. The driving element preferably is designed in theform of an eccentric shaft. The eccentric shaft preferably can be drivenin a rotating manner by means of a motor unit of a pump comprising theconveyor device in a manner familiar to a person skilled in the art. Themotor unit may be designed in the form of an electric motor unit, aninternal combustion engine unit, a hybrid motor unit or the like. Thedriving element preferably has a rotational axis. The rotational axispreferably extends transverse, particularly at least essentiallyperpendicular, to a principal conveying direction of the conveyorchamber, along which a fluid can be conveyed through the conveyorchamber.

The conveyor chamber of the conveyor device preferably is delimited bythe base body of the conveyor element and the conveyor chamber element.The conveyor chamber of the conveyor device preferably is delimited bythe conveying surface and the counter surface lying opposite of theconveying surface. The conveyor chamber element preferably is designedin a dimensionally stable manner. The conveyor chamber elementpreferably has a prestress, particularly for exerting a force upon theconveyor element in the direction of the drive unit and/or a pressingunit of the conveyor device. The conveyor element, particularly theconveyor membrane, preferably is designed in an elastically resilientmanner. The term “elastically resilient” particularly refers to aproperty of an element, particularly the conveyor element, whichparticularly is intended for generating a counterforce that is dependenton a change of a shape of the element, preferably proportional to thechange, and counteracts the change. The conveyor element, particularlythe conveyor membrane, preferably can be deformed repeatedly,particularly without thereby mechanically damaging or destroying theconveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane. The conveyorelement, particularly the conveyor membrane, preferably seeks toautomatically reassume, particularly after a deformation, a basic shape,especially a convexly curved basic shape referred to the countersurface, particularly a zero position of the conveyor element,particularly the conveyor membrane. The elastically resilient design ofthe conveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane, preferably canbe at least partially influenced and/or caused by means of aparticularly geometric design of the base body and/or by means of anarrangement of the conveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane,on the conveyor chamber element having the counter surface. The conveyorelement, particularly the conveyor membrane, preferably is arranged onthe conveyor chamber element having the counter surface in such a way aconveyance of a fluid takes place in and/or through the conveyor chamberas a result of an indentation of the conveyor element, particularly theconveyor membrane. After an effect of a driving force on the conveyorelement, particularly the conveyor membrane, ceases in order to convey afluid, the conveying surface of the conveyor element, particularly theconveyor membrane, preferably seeks to reassume a convexly curvedarrangement referred to the counter surface in an at least essentiallyautomatic manner, particularly as a result of the elastically resilientdesign. The conveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane,preferably is made of a rubber-like and/or caoutchouc-like material.However, it is also conceivable that the conveyor device, particularlythe conveyor membrane, consists of a different material deemed sensibleby a person skilled in the art or of a combination of multiplematerials, which allow/allows an elastically resilient design of theconveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane.

The conveyor element, particularly the conveyor membrane, preferablyutilizes an “indentation effect” in order to convey a fluid in and/orthrough the conveyor chamber. The conveyor element, particularly theconveying surface, preferably can be at least temporarily indented inorder to convey a fluid, wherein at least one indentation can bedisplaced, particularly in a rolling manner, along the conveying surfacein order to convey a fluid.

The inventive design advantageously makes it possible to achieve a longservice life. Inadvertent relative movements can be advantageouslycounteracted. A sealing function during relative movements can beadvantageously maintained. An efficient conveyance of a fluid can beadvantageously realized. A very easy serviceability can beadvantageously achieved. An adaptability to different connectivityoptions can be advantageously realized. A comfortable connection todifferently designed fluid lines can be advantageously realized. A broadapplication spectrum for the efficient conveyance of a fluid can beadvantageously realized.

It is furthermore proposed that the conveyor device comprises at leastone functional unit, particularly a filter unit and/or a valve unit, aswell as the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge lineadapter, wherein the functional unit is at least partially arranged inthe fluid supply line adapter and/or in the fluid discharge lineadapter. The functional unit preferably is designed in the form of afilter cartridge and/or in the form of a valve cartridge that isintegrated into the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluid dischargeline adapter. The functional unit particularly is arranged in the fluidsupply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapter in anexchangeable manner. However, it is also conceivable that the functionalunit is permanently integrated into the fluid supply line adapter and/orthe fluid discharge line adapter, wherein the fluid supply line adapterand/or the fluid discharge line adapter is designed in an exchangeablemanner in order to exchange the functional unit. The inventive designmakes it possible to integrate an additional function into the conveyordevice in a constructively simple manner. An efficient conveyance of afluid can be advantageously realized.

It is furthermore proposed that the connecting piece and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece respectively is/are arrangedon at least one transverse extension of the conveyor chamber element.The connecting piece and/or, in particular, the additional connectingpiece preferably are respectively arranged on at least one transverseextension of the conveyor chamber element, particularly designedintegrally with the corresponding transverse extension. The term“integrally” particularly refers to an at least firmly bondedconnection, which is produced, e.g., by means of a welding process, abonding process, an injection overmoulding process and/or a differentprocess deemed sensible by a person skilled in the art, and/or to anadvantageous manufacture in one piece, e.g. from a casting and/or in asingle-component or multi-component injection moulding process andadvantageously from a single blank. The inventive design advantageouslymakes it possible to realize a constructively simple connectioninterface that can be sealed in a constructively simple manner. Anadditional function can be integrated into the conveyor device in aconstructively simple manner. An efficient conveyance of a fluid can beadvantageously realized.

It is furthermore proposed that the connecting piece and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece respectively has/have aprincipal axis that extends transverse, particularly at leastessentially perpendicular, to a principal plane of the at least onetransverse extension. The connecting piece and/or, in particular, theadditional connecting piece respectively has/have a principal axis thatextends transverse, particularly at least essentially perpendicular, toa principal plane of the at least one transverse extension, particularlythe respective transverse extension. The principal axis/axes of theconnecting piece and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piecepreferably extends/extend transverse, particularly at least essentiallyperpendicular, to the principal conveying direction of the conveyorchamber. The principal axis/axes of the connecting piece and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece preferably extends/extend atleast essentially parallel to the plane extending at least essentiallyperpendicular to the drive axis of the drive unit. The connecting pieceand, in particular, the additional connecting piece preferably arearranged on the side, particularly on the outer side, of the conveyorchamber element facing away from the conveyor element such that they arealigned differently, particularly in an opposed manner. The connectingpiece and, in particular, the additional connecting piece preferablyextend in different directions, particularly in opposite directions,starting from the outer side of the conveyor chamber element. Theinventive design makes it possible to lead the fluid supply line adapterand/or the fluid discharge line adapter out of a housing of the pump, inwhich the conveyor device is arranged, in a constructively simplemanner. A constructively simple connection interface, which can besealed in a constructively simple manner, can be advantageouslyrealized. An additional function can be integrated into the conveyordevice in a constructively simple manner. An efficient conveyance of afluid can be advantageously realized.

In addition, a pump with at least one inventive conveyor device and withat least one housing for accommodating the conveyor device is proposed,wherein the conveyor device comprises the fluid supply line adapterand/or the fluid discharge line adapter, which extends/extend from theconveyor chamber element at least up to an outer side of the housingwhen the conveyor device is arranged in the housing. The pump preferablyis intended for use in a food sector, a chemical sector, apharmaceutical sector, particularly for batch-compliant use, a vivariumsector (aquarium, etc.), a domestic appliance sector, a dental hygienesector, an automobile sector, a medical sector, a water treatment sectoror the like. The pump preferably comprises at least one drive unit,particularly the aforementioned drive unit, that has at least onedriving element, particularly the aforementioned driving element,especially at least one eccentric shaft that for the most part issurrounded by the conveyor chamber element, the conveyor element and thepressing unit, particularly viewed along a circumferential directionextending around the drive axis of the drive unit. The drive unit,particularly at least the driving element, preferably is completelysurrounded by the conveyor chamber element, the conveyor element and thepressing unit, particularly viewed along a circumferential directionextending around the drive axis of the drive unit. The inventive designmakes it possible to achieve a secure accommodation of the fluid supplyline adapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapter. It is possible tolead the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge lineadapter out of a housing of a pump, in which the conveyor device isarranged, in a constructively simple manner. A constructively simpleconnection interface, which can be sealed in a constructively simplemanner, can be advantageously realized. An additional function can beintegrated into the conveyor device in a constructively simple manner.An efficient conveyance of a fluid can be advantageously realized.

It is furthermore proposed that the fluid supply line adapter and/or thefluid discharge line adapter are arranged on the housing and/or theconveyor chamber element in a removable manner. When the conveyor deviceis arranged in the housing, in particular, the fluid supply line adapterand/or the fluid discharge line adapter preferably can be removed fromthe housing, particularly from the connecting piece and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece, after loosening a securingunit, particularly a screw cap of the securing unit. The inventivedesign advantageously makes it possible to achieve a constructivelysimple exchangeability of the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluiddischarge line adapter. A very easy serviceability can be advantageouslyachieved.

It is furthermore proposed that the pump comprises at least one securingunit for securing the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluiddischarge line adapter on the housing by means of a form-fitting and/orfrictional connection. The securing unit preferably comprises anexternal thread, particularly two external threads, that particularlyis/are arranged on an outer side of the housing. The securing unitpreferably comprises at least one screw cap, particularly two screwcaps, that interacts/interact with the external thread/s and, inparticular, firmly clamp a collar of the fluid supply line adapterand/or the fluid discharge line adapter in order to secure the fluidsupply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapter on thehousing. It is preferred that the securing unit alternatively oradditionally comprises at least one internal thread/s, into which thefluid supply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapter can bescrewed. It is furthermore conceivable that the securing unitalternatively or additionally comprises other components deemed sensibleby a person skilled in the art for securing the fluid supply lineadapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapter on the housing and/or onthe conveyor chamber element by means of a form-fitting and/orfrictional connection, e.g. a securing ring, a securing pin or the like.The inventive design advantageously makes it possible to counteract aninadvertent separation of the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluiddischarge line adapter. A very easy serviceability can be advantageouslyachieved. An adaptability to different connectivity options can beadvantageously realized. A comfortable connection to differentlydesigned fluid lines can be advantageously realized. A broad applicationspectrum for the efficient conveyance of a fluid can be advantageouslyrealized.

It is furthermore proposed that the connecting piece and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece are spaced apart from aninner wall of the housing, particularly viewed along a principal axis ofthe connecting piece and/or, in particular, the additional connectingpiece, when the conveyor device is arranged in the housing. Viewed alongthe principal axis/axes of the connecting piece and/or, in particular,the additional connecting piece, the connecting piece and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece is/are spaced apart from aninner wall of the housing, particularly at least the upper housing partand/or the lower housing part, when the conveyor device is arranged inthe housing. The connecting piece and/or, in particular, the additionalconnecting piece preferably is/are spaced apart from the inner wall ofthe housing, particularly from the inner side of the upper housing partand/or the inner side of the lower housing part, along the entirecircumference of the connecting piece and/or, in particular, theadditional connecting piece when the conveyor device is arranged in thehousing. In an alternative design of the pump and/or the conveyordevice, however, it is also conceivable that the connecting pieceand/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece abuts on theinner wall of the housing, particularly on the inner side of the upperhousing part and/or on the inner side of the lower housing part, and issupported on the inner wall of the housing, particularly on the innerside of the upper housing part and/or on the inner side of the lowerhousing part, when the conveyor device is arranged in the housing. Theinventive arrangement advantageously makes it possible to realize afreedom of movement in order to permit relative movements such thatdamages as a result of inadvertent contact with the fluid supply lineadapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapter can be advantageouslyprevented when the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluid dischargeline adapter is/are arranged in the connecting piece and/or, inparticular, in the additional connecting piece and/or movements can bedampened in a constructively simple manner by means of the movementcompensation unit.

The inventive pump and/or the inventive conveyor device is/are notlimited to the above-described application and embodiment. The number ofindividual elements, components and units of the inventive pump and/orthe inventive conveyor device for fulfilling a function described hereinparticularly may differ from the number mentioned herein. With respectto the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values lying withinthe mentioned limits should also be considered as being disclosed andarbitrarily applicable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other advantages arise from the following description of the drawings.The drawings show an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Thedrawings, the description and the claims contain numerouscharacteristics in combination. A person skilled in the art will alsoexpediently consider these characteristics individually and combine theminto other sensible combinations.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an inventive pump with aninventive conveyor device,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the inventive pump with anopened housing,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic section through the inventive pump,

FIG. 4 shows another schematic section through the inventive pump,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the inventive conveyor devicein a state, in which it is removed from the housing of the pump,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a conveyor element of theinventive conveyor device,

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a conveyor chamber element ofthe inventive conveyor device,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic partial section through the conveyor elementand the conveyor chamber element,

FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a pressing element of apressing unit of the inventive conveyor device, and

FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of a fluid supply line adapteror a fluid discharge line adapter of the inventive conveyor device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a pump 10 with a conveyor device 12 for at least conveyinga (not-shown) fluid. The conveyor device 12 is designed for at leastconveying a fluid, in particular as a result of an effect of a driveunit 16 of the pump 10 on the conveyor device 12, particularly on anelastically deformable conveyor element 22 of the conveyor device 12.The conveyor device 12 comprises at least one conveyor chamber 18, atleast one dimensionally stable conveyor chamber element 20 that at leastpartially delimits the conveyor chamber 18 and at least the elasticallydeformable, particularly annular, conveyor element 22 that delimits theconveyor chamber 18 together with the conveyor chamber element 20 and isarranged on the conveyor chamber element 20 (see FIG. 4). The conveyorelement 22 preferably is designed in the form of a conveyor membrane.

The conveyor chamber element 20 is at least mostly, in particularcompletely, made of a plastic, particularly an injection-mouldedplastic. However, it is also conceivable that the conveyor chamberelement 20 is made of a different material deemed sensible by a personskilled in the art. The conveyor element 22 preferably is at leastmostly, in particular completely, made of a rubber, particularly asynthetic rubber such as EPDM, FC, NBR or the like. However, it is alsoconceivable that the conveyor element 22 is made of a different materialdeemed sensible by a person skilled in the art.

The pump 10 comprises at least the drive unit 16 for acting upon theconveyor device 12 and at least one housing 14 for accommodating theconveyor device 12. The drive unit 16 preferably comprises at least onedriving element 24 for acting upon the conveyor device 12 (see FIG. 4).The driving element 24 preferably is designed in the form of aneccentric shaft. However, it is also conceivable that the drive unit 24has a different design deemed sensible by a person skilled in the art,e.g. in the form of a rotationally symmetrical shaft, on which at leastone cam for acting upon the conveyor device 12 is arranged, or the like.The driving element 24 may be connected to a drive shaft of a(not-shown) motor unit such as an electric motor, an internal combustionengine, a pneumatic engine or the like either directly, particularly ina rotationally fixed manner, or indirectly, e.g. by means of a gear unitor a means of at least one gearwheel element. The driving element 24 hasa rotational axis 26 that extends transverse, particularly at leastessentially perpendicular, to a principal conveying direction, alongwhich a fluid can be conveyed through the conveyor chamber 18.

The conveyor device preferably is at least mostly, in particularcompletely, arranged within the housing 14. The conveyor device 12 is atleast mostly, in particular completely, surrounded by the housing 14. Aperson skilled in the art knows that the housing 14 particularly isintended for enveloping and/or supporting the conveyor device 12 and/orthe drive unit 16 of the pump 10 at least partially, in particularcompletely. The housing 14 may be made of a plastic, a metal, acombination of plastic and metal or of a different material deemedsensible by a person skilled in the art. The housing 14 may have a shelldesign, a pot design, a combination of a shell design and a pot designor a different design deemed sensible by a person skilled in the art.

The housing 14 is formed at least separately from the conveyor chamberelement 20 of the conveyor device 12, particularly from the conveyordevice 12 as a whole, namely in such a way that the conveyor chamberelement 20, particularly the conveyor device 12 as a whole, can beremoved from the housing 14. The conveyor chamber element 20,particularly the conveyor device 12 as a whole, preferably can beremoved from the housing 14 after the removal of an upper housing part36, particularly together with the conveyor element 22 arranged on theconveyor chamber element 20. The conveyor device 12 preferably can beremoved from the housing 14 as a whole, particularly after the removalof the upper housing part 36 of the housing 14, such that it isdecoupled from a removal of individual components of the conveyor device12. When the conveyor device 12, particularly the conveyor device 12 asa whole, is arranged in the housing 14, in particular, the housing 14surrounds at least the conveyor chamber element 20, particularly theconveyor device 12, at least mostly along a circumferential directionextending in a plane that lies essentially perpendicular to a drive axis70 of the drive unit 16.

Viewed along a direction extending transverse to the drive axis 70 ofthe drive unit 16, the conveyor chamber element 20 is arranged at leastbetween the housing 14 and the conveyor element 22 of the conveyordevice 12, in particular directly adjacent to the housing 14 or directlyabutting on the housing 14 (see FIG. 2). When the conveyor device 12 isarranged in the housing 14, the conveyor device 12 at least essentiallysurrounds the drive unit 16 completely, particularly along acircumferential direction extending in a plane that lies at leastessentially perpendicular to the drive axis 70 of the drive unit 16.When the conveyor device 12 is arranged in the housing 14, an outer sideof the conveyor chamber element 20 is connected to an inner side of thehousing in a frictionally engaged and/or form-fitting manner and, inparticular, preferably abuts directly on the inner side of the housing14. When the conveyor device 12, particularly the conveyor device 12 asa whole, is arranged in the housing 14, the outer side of the conveyorchamber element 20 preferably abuts at least partially on the inner sideof the housing 14, particularly at least on an inner side of the lowerhousing part 72 of the housing 14. The conveyor chamber element 20preferably abuts on the inner side of the housing 14, particularly onthe inner side of the lower housing part 72 of the housing 14, with morethan 30%, preferably more than 40% and less than 95%, particularlybetween 40% and 60%, of the entire outer surface of its outer side. Thehousing 14 preferably has a recess, in which the conveyor device 12 canbe arranged or particularly is arranged. The recess of the housing 14,particularly of the lower housing part 72, preferably is delimited by acollar-like extension in the interior of the housing 14, particularlythe lower housing part 72. The collar-like extension extends over lessthan 360°, in particular, in order to allow the arrangement of an inletand outlet region of the conveyor device 12 in the housing 14,particularly in the lower housing part 72.

The housing 14 furthermore comprises at least one receptacle 32,particularly at least two receptacles 32, 34, for accommodating at leastone fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or one fluid discharge line adapter30 of the conveyor device 12. The fluid supply line adapter 28preferably is intended for being connected to a fluid line, particularlyfor realizing a supply of fluid to the conveyor chamber 18. The fluiddischarge line adapter 30 preferably is intended for being connected toa fluid line, particularly for realizing a discharge of fluid from theconveyor chamber 18. The receptacle/s 32, 34 preferably is/are arrangedin the upper housing part 36 of the housing 14 (see FIGS. 1 and 3).However, it is also conceivable that the receptacle/s 32, 34 is/arearranged in another component of the housing 14, e.g. in the lowerhousing part 72 or the like. The fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or thefluid discharge line adapter 30 preferably is connected to thereceptacle/s 32, 34, particularly fixed on the receptacle/s 32, 34, bymeans of a form-fitting and/or frictional connection. For example, thereceptacle/s 32, 34 comprises/comprise on an inner side an internalthread for fixing the fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or the fluiddischarge line adapter 30 on the housing 14, particularly on the upperhousing part 36 (see FIG. 3). However, it is also conceivable that thefluid supply line adapter 28 and/or the fluid discharge line adapter 30is/are arranged, particularly secured, on the receptacle/s 32, 34 bymeans of a different connection, particularly a threadless form-fittingconnection that is produced, e.g., by means of an insertion into thereceptacle/s 32, 34. The receptacle/s 32, 34 extends/extend continuouslyfrom an outer side of the housing 14, particularly the upper housingpart 36, up to an inner side of the housing 14, particularly the upperhousing part 36. The receptacle/s 32, 34 preferably is/are designed inthe form of a through-opening/through-openings from the outer side tothe inner side of the housing 14. When the conveyor device 12 isarranged in the housing 14, the fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or thefluid discharge line adapter 30 extends/extend from the conveyor chamberelement 20 at least up to, particularly beyond, the outer side of thehousing 14, particularly when a connecting piece 38 of the conveyorchamber element 20 is connected to the fluid supply line adapter 28and/or when, in particular, an additional connecting piece 40 of theconveyor chamber element 20 is connected to the fluid discharge lineadapter 30 (see FIG. 3).

The connecting piece 38 and/or, in particular, the additional connectingpiece 40 respectively is/are arranged on at least one transverseextension 60, 62 of the conveyor chamber element 20, particularlydesigned integrally with the corresponding transverse extension 60, 62(see FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7). Viewed in a plane, particularly a planeextending at least essentially perpendicular to a rotational axis 26 ofthe driving element 24, in particular to the drive axis 70 of the driveunit 16, the conveyor chamber element 20 particularly has across-sectional shape that essentially is composed of a circular arc oran open ring, which extends along an angular range of less than 360°and, in particular, more than 90°, and the two transverse extension 60,62, which extend transverse to the circular arc or the open ring anddirectly border on the circular arc or the open ring, particularly inend regions of the circular arc or the open ring. The connecting piece38 and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece 40respectively has/have a principal axis 64, 66 that extends transverse,particularly at least essentially perpendicular, to a principal plane ofthe at least one transverse extension 60, 62, particularly therespective transverse extension 60, 62. The principal axis/axes 64, 66of the connecting piece 38 and/or, in particular, the additionalconnecting piece 40 preferably extend transverse, particularly at leastessentially perpendicular, to the principal conveying direction of theconveyor chamber 18, along which a fluid can be conveyed through theconveyor chamber 18. The principal axis/axes 64, 66 of the connectingpiece 38 and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece 40preferably extend at least essentially parallel to the plane that liesat least essentially perpendicular to the rotational axis 26 of thedriving element 24. The connecting piece 38 and, in particular, theadditional connecting piece 40 are arranged on the side, particularly onthe outer side, of the conveyor chamber element 20 facing away from theconveyor element 22 such that they are aligned differently, particularlyin an opposed manner. The connecting piece 38 and, in particular, theadditional connecting piece 40 preferably extend in differentdirections, particularly in opposite directions, starting from the outerside of the conveyor chamber element 20. The connecting piece 38 and, inparticular, the additional connecting piece 40 preferably extend indirections that face away from the conveyor chamber element 20 and arealigned in an opposed manner starting from the outer side of theconveyor chamber element 20.

Viewed along the principal axis/axes 64, 66 of the connecting piece 38and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece 40, theconnecting piece 38 and/or, in particular, the additional connectingpiece 40 is/are spaced apart from an inner wall of the housing 14,particularly at least the upper housing part 36 and/or the lower housingpart 72, when the conveyor device 12 is arranged in the housing 14 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3). The connecting piece 38 and/or, in particular, theadditional connecting piece 40 preferably is spaced apart from the innerwall of the housing 14, particularly from an inner side of the upperhousing part 36 and/or an inner side of the lower housing part 72, alongan entire circumference of the connecting piece 38 and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece 40 when the conveyor device12 is arranged in the housing 14. A minimum distance of the connectingpiece 38 and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece 40 fromthe inner wall of the housing 14, particularly from the inner side ofthe upper housing part 36 and/or from the inner side of the lowerhousing part 72, preferably is greater than 0.001 mm, particularlygreater than 0.01 mm and especially greater than 0.1 mm and smaller than10 mm. The minimum distance of the connecting piece 38 and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece 40 from the inner wall ofthe housing 14, particularly from the inner side of the upper housingpart 36 and/or from the inner side of the lower housing part 72,preferably has a value that lies in the range between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.In an alternative design of the pump 10, however, it is also conceivablethat the connecting piece 38 and/or, in particular, the additionalconnecting piece 40 abuts on the inner wall of the housing 14,particularly on the inner side of the upper housing part 36 and/or theinner side of the lower housing part 72, and is supported on the innerwall of the housing 14, particularly on the inner side of the upperhousing part 36 and/or the inner side of the lower housing part 72, whenthe conveyor device 12 is arranged in the housing 14.

The conveyor chamber element 20 comprises at least the connecting piece38 for the fluid supply line adapter 28, which particularly is designedto differ from a hose, and/or at least the additional connecting piecefor the fluid discharge line adapter 30, which particularly is designedto differ from a hose, wherein said connecting piece/s respectivelyis/are arranged on a side, particularly the outer side, of the conveyorchamber element 20 facing away from the conveyor element 22 (see FIGS.2, 3, 5 and 7). The fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or the fluiddischarge line adapter 30 preferably is/are designed in a tubularmanner. The fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or the fluid discharge lineadapter 30 preferably has/have a conically extending insertion end 44,46 (see FIGS. 3 and 10). The insertion end 44, 46 of the fluid supplyline adapter 28 and/or the fluid discharge line adapter 30 respectivelyis arranged in the connecting piece 38 or, in particular, in theadditional connecting piece 40 when the fluid supply line adapter 28and/or the fluid discharge line adapter is/are arranged on the conveyorchamber element 20. The fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or the fluiddischarge line adapter 30 preferably comprises/comprise a coupling end48, 50 for respectively being connected to a supply line or a dischargeline for respectively supplying or discharging a fluid from or into theconveyor chamber 18. It is also conceivable that the fluid supply lineadapter 28 and/or the fluid discharge line adapter 30 is/are intendedfor producing a connection with different components deemed sensible bya person skilled in the art, e.g. fluid couplers, hose connectors or thelike. The coupling end 48, 50 is arranged on a side of the fluid supplyline adapter 28 or the fluid discharge line adapter 30 that faces awayfrom the insertion end 44, 46. The fluid supply line adapter 28 and thefluid discharge line adapter 30 preferably have an at least essentiallyidentical design. However, it is also conceivable that the fluid supplyline adapter 28 and the fluid discharge line adapter 30 are at leastpartially designed differently, e.g. in the form of a functional unit 58or the like.

The conveyor device 12 comprises at least one functional unit 58,particularly a filter unit and/or a valve unit, as well as the fluidsupply line adapter 28 and/or the fluid discharge line adapter 30,wherein the functional unit 58 is at least partially, in particularcompletely, arranged in the fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or in thefluid discharge line adapter 30 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 10). The functionalunit 58 preferably is at least partially, in particular completely,integrated into the fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or into the fluiddischarge line adapter 30 in a permanent manner or at least partially,in particular completely, arranged in the fluid supply line adapter 28and/or in the fluid discharge line adapter 30 in an exchangeable manner.For example, the functional unit 58 may have one or, in particular, twofilter and/or valve cartridge/s that respectively is/are arranged in thefluid supply line adapter 28 or in the fluid discharge line adapter 30.Different designs or arrangements of the functional unit 58 deemedsensible by a person skilled in the art are likewise conceivable, e.g.an arrangement between the connecting piece 38 and the fluid supply lineadapter 28 or between, in particular, the additional connecting piece 40and the fluid discharge line adapter 30 or the like.

The fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or the fluid discharge line adapter30 is/are arranged on the housing 14, particularly on the upper housingpart 36 and/or on the conveyor chamber element 20, in a removablemanner. The pump 10 comprises at least one securing unit 42 for securingthe fluid supply line adapter 28 and/or the fluid discharge line adapter30 on the housing 14, particularly on the upper housing part 36, bymeans of a form-fitting and/or frictional connection. The securing unit42 preferably comprises an external thread, particularly two externalthreats, that particularly is/are arranged on an outer side of thereceptacle/s 32, 34 (see FIG. 1). It is conceivable that the securingunit comprises at least one (not-shown) screw cap, particularly twoscrew caps, that interacts/intact with the external thread/s and, inparticular, firmly clamp a collar of the fluid supply line adapter 28and/or the fluid discharge line adapter 30 in order to secure the fluidsupply line adapter 28 and/or the fluid discharge line adapter 30 on thehousing 14. It is preferred that the securing unit 42 alternatively oradditionally comprises at least the internal thread/s arranged on thereceptacle/s 32, 34. It is furthermore conceivable that the securingunit 42 alternatively or additionally comprises different componentsdeemed sensible by a person skilled in the art for securing the fluidsupply line adapter 28 and/or the fluid discharge line adapter 30 on thehousing 14, particularly on the upper housing part 36, by means of aform-fitting and/or a frictional connection, e.g. a securing ring, asecuring pin or the like.

The conveyor device 12 comprises at least one movement compensation unit52 that is at least intended for at least partially compensating and/ordamping relative movements between the fluid supply line adapter 28 andthe connecting piece 38 when the connecting piece 38 is connected to thefluid supply line adapter 28 and/or for at least partially compensatingand/or damping relative movements between the fluid discharge lineadapter 30 and, in particular, the additional connecting piece 40 whenthe additional connecting piece 40 is connected to the fluid dischargeline adapter 30 (see FIG. 3). The movement compensation unit 52preferably comprises at least one damping element 54, particularly atleast two damping elements 54, 56. The damping element/s preferablyis/are designed in the form of an O-ring. However, it is alsoconceivable that the damping element/s 54, 56 has/have a differentdesign deemed sensible by a person skilled in the art, e.g. in the formof an elastomer disk, a hollow elastomer cylinder or the like. It ispreferred that the damping element/s 54, 56 respectively is/are arrangedbetween the connecting piece 38 and the fluid supply line adapter 28 orbetween, in particular, the additional connecting piece 40 and the fluiddischarge line adapter 30. The damping element/s 54, 56 particularlyabuts/abut on an inner side of the connecting piece 38 and on an outerside of the insertion end 44 of the fluid supply line adapter 28 and/oron an inner side, in particular, of the additional connecting piece 40and on an outer side of the insertion end 46 of the fluid discharge lineadapter 30. In addition to damping a movement, the damping element/s 54,56 preferably is/are also intended for respectively producing a fluidicseal between the connecting piece 38 and the fluid supply line adapter28 and/or for producing a fluidic seal, in particular, between theadditional connecting piece 40 and the fluid discharge line adapter 30.

The conveyor element 22 comprises at least one base body 76 thatparticularly is at least essentially designed in an annular manner (seeFIGS. 3 and 6), wherein said base body can be elastically deformed andhas at least one conveying surface 78 that is arranged on a conveyingside of the base body 76. Furthermore, the conveyor element 22preferably comprises at least one activation extension 80, particularlya plurality of activation extensions 80, for being connected to at leastone transmission element 82 of the drive unit 16, which interacts withthe activation extension 80, particularly with the plurality ofactivation extensions 80, on an activation side of the base body 76. Theconveying side of the base body 76 preferably is arranged on the basebody 76 on a side of the base body 76 that faces away from theactivation side of the base body 76. The conveying side particularlyforms an outer side of the base body 76. The activation side preferablyforms an inner side of the base body 76. The inner side of the base body76 particularly is at least partially formed by the activation side. Theactivation extension 80, particularly the activation extensions 80,particularly is/are designed integrally with the base body 76. However,it is also conceivable that the activation extension 80, particularlythe activation extensions 80, is/are formed separately from the basebody 76 and fixed on the base body 76 by means of a form-fitting and/orfrictional connection deemed sensible by a person skilled in the art.

The activation extension 80, particularly the activation extensions 80,is/are designed in the form of form-fit and/or frictional engagementelement/s that interacts/intact with the transmission element 82 bymeans of a form-fitting and/or frictional connection, particularly aform-fitting and/or frictional connection that is not firmly bonded, inorder to at least transmit a driving force acting in a direction facingaway from the activation side. The activation extension 80, particularlythe activation extensions 80, preferably is/are clamped between twotransmission elements 82, particularly transmission rings, that arearranged on the driving element 24 (see FIG. 4). Viewed along acircumferential direction extending around the drive axis 70 of thedrive unit 16, in particular, the activation extension 80, particularlythe activation extensions 80, has/have a maximum longitudinal extentthat is smaller than a maximum longitudinal extent of the base body 76.

Viewed in a plane, particularly in a plane extending at leastessentially perpendicular to the drive axis 70, the base body 76preferably has a cross-sectional shape that essentially is composed of acircular arc or an open ring and two inlet and/or outlet extensions thatextend transverse to the circular arc or the open ring. The circular arcor the open ring of the cross-sectional shape of the base body 76preferably extends along an angular range of less than 360° and, inparticular, more than 90°. The inlet and/or outlet extensions of thecross-sectional shape of the base body 76, which extend transverse tothe circular arc or the open ring, preferably are arranged such thatthey directly border on the circular arc or the open ring, particularlyin end regions of the circular arc or the open ring. The activationextension 80, particularly the activation extensions 80, preferablyextends/extend along a closed circular ring, wherein the activationextension 80, particularly the activation extensions 80, may form thecircular ring itself/themselves. A maximum extent of the activationextension 80 along a central axis of the base body 76 or an overallextent of the multiple successive activation extensions 80 along acentral axis of the base body 76 particularly is at least 5% smaller,preferably at least 10% and especially at least 20% smaller, than amaximum longitudinal extent of the base body 76. It is preferred thatthe activation extension 80 or the multiple successive activationextensions 80 altogether particularly extends/extend along an angularrange of more than 270°, preferably less than 360° or 360°, on theactivation side.

The conveyor chamber element 20 at least mostly surrounds the conveyorelement 22 along a circumferential direction extending, in particular,in a plane that at least essentially lies perpendicular to the driveaxis 70 of the drive unit 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). The conveyor chamberelement 20 is designed in an annular manner. The conveyor chamberelement 20 and the conveyor element 22 preferably have an at leastessentially analog shape, particularly viewed in the plane extending atleast essentially perpendicular to the drive axis 70 of the drive unit16. The conveyor chamber element 20 and the conveyor element 22, inparticular the base body 76 of the conveyor element 22, particularlyhave a basic shape that resembles an uppercase Greek letter Omega,wherein the extensions of the conveyor chamber element 20 and theconveyor element 22 preferably are angled relative to extensions of theuppercase Greek letter Omega by 90°.

The conveyor chamber element 20 has a counter surface 74 that interactswith the conveying surface 78 of the conveyor element 22 in order toconvey a fluid, wherein said counter surface faces the conveyor element22 and has at least one elevation 84, 86 that is oriented in thedirection of the conveyor element 22 (see FIGS. 4, 7 and 8). The countersurface 74 preferably comprises at least two elevations 84, 86 that areoriented in the direction of the conveyor element 22. Viewed along thecircumferential direction, the elevation/s 84, 86 extends/extend alongan at least essentially entire inner side of the conveyor chamberelement 20, which particularly extends in the shape of a circular arc.The elevation/s 84, 86 preferably extends/extend over the inner side ofthe conveyor chamber element 20 from one of the transverse extensions60, 62 to the other transverse extension 60, 62 along the circular arcor the open ring.

The conveyor element 22, particularly the base body 76, has theconveying surface 78, which viewed in a cross section of the conveyorelement 22, particularly in a cross section of the conveyor chamber 18,has a maximum transverse extent that at least essentially, in particularcompletely, corresponds to a maximum transverse extent of the countersurface 74 of the conveyor chamber element 20 (see FIGS. 4 and 8). Inorder to convey a fluid into and/or through the conveyor chamber 18, theconveying surface 78 particularly can be completely placed against thecounter surface 74 of the conveyor chamber element 20 as a result of theeffect of a driving force that can be generated by the drive unit 16.Viewed in a cross section of the conveyor chamber element 20, thecounter surface 74 of the conveyor chamber element 20 has at least threesuccessive circular arc sections. The circular arc sections form thecounter surface 74. Two of the three circular arc sections form theelevations 84, 86 of the counter surface 74 and are arranged on theoutside. One of the three circular arc sections forms a depression andis arranged on the inside, particularly between the elevations 84, 86.It is conceivable that the three circular arc sections have different oridentical radii.

The conveyor chamber element 20 has at least one connecting region,particularly at least one connecting groove, preferably a sealing groove88, which is arranged, in particular, on the inner side of the conveyorchamber element 20, wherein at least an edge region of the conveyorelement 22, particularly an extension, preferably a sealing extension90, of the conveyor element 22 arranged on the edge of the conveyorelement 22 engages into said sealing groove, particularly in a sealingmanner, when it is arranged on the conveyor chamber element 20 (seeFIGS. 4 and 8). The conveyor element 22 has at least the sealingextension 90, which is designed integrally with the base body 76 of theconveyor element 22 and at least partially arranged in the sealinggroove 88 of the conveyor chamber element 20 when the conveyor element22 is arranged on the conveyor chamber element 20. The sealing groove 88is designed in such a way that the sealing extension 90 and an edgeregion 92 of the conveyor chamber element 20 delimiting the sealinggroove 88 flatly abut on one another. The sealing groove 88 and the edgeregion 92 of the conveyor chamber element 20 delimiting the sealinggroove 88, which is arranged on a side of the sealing groove 88 facingthe conveying surface 78 of the base body 76 of the conveyor element 22,are designed in such a way that the sealing extension 90 flatly abuts onthe edge region 92 of the conveyor chamber element 20 delimiting thesealing groove 88 and on a groove base 94 of the sealing groove 88. Thesealing groove 88 extends completely around the counter surface 74 ofthe conveyor chamber element 20, which interacts with the conveyingsurface 78 of the base body 76 of the conveyor element 22 in order toconvey a fluid, and delimits the counter surface 74. The sealing groove88 preferably extends on the transverse extensions 60, 62 of theconveyor chamber element 20 around a respective inlet or outlet openingin the respective transverse extension 60, 62 and transforms,particularly in a seamless manner, into the annular inner side of theconveyor chamber element 20 in order to delimit the counter surface 74.The sealing groove 88 preferably extends along an entire inner edgeregion of the conveyor chamber element 20. The conveyor chamber element20 has the counter surface 74 for interacting with the conveying surface78 of the base body 76 of the conveyor element 22 in order to convey afluid, wherein said counter surface extends over at least three circulararc sections that are arranged successively, particularly when viewed ina cross section, wherein at least the edge region 92 of the conveyorchamber element 20 delimiting the sealing groove 88 is arranged suchthat it borders, in particular directly, on at least one of the threecircular arc sections, particularly on an outer circular arc section.

The sealing extension 90 extends completely around the conveying surface78 of the base body 76 of the conveyor element 22 and delimits theconveying surface 78. The sealing extension 90 preferably extends alongan entire outer circumference of the base body 76. The sealing extension90 preferably extends around the inlet and/or outlet extensions of thebase body 76 and transforms, particularly in a seamless manner, into theannular basic shape of the base body 76 in order to delimit theconveying surface 78. The sealing extension 90 preferably has atransition region toward an edge region of the base body 76 of theconveyor element 22, wherein a cross section of said transition regiondiffers from a cross section of an additional transition region of thesealing extension 90 toward the conveying surface 78 of the base body 76(see FIG. 8).

The conveyor device 12 furthermore comprises at least one pressing unit96 that has at least one pressing element 98, 100, particularly at leastone clamping ring, which is designed for acting upon the sealingextension 90 with a pressing force in the direction of the conveyorchamber element 20 and for compressing the sealing extension 90 at leastin the region of the sealing groove 88 (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 9). Thesealing extension 90 extends over the conveying surface 78 along adirection extending transverse, particularly at least essentiallyperpendicular, to the conveying surface 78 of the base body 76 of theconveyor element 22. At least in a non-conveying state of the conveyorelement 22, in particular, the pressing unit 96 is intended forgenerating an inhomogeneous pressing force at least in a sealing region102 between the conveyor element 22 and the conveyor chamber element 20along a maximum overall extent of the sealing region 102, particularlyalong a maximum circumferential extent between the conveyor element 22and the conveyor chamber element 20. The sealing region 102 preferablyis formed due to an interaction of the sealing groove 88 and the sealingextension 90. The pressing unit 96 preferably is intended for generatingan inhomogeneous pressing force distribution along a sealing line of theconveyor element 22, which particularly extends along a circumferentialdirection of the conveyor element 22. The sealing line preferably isformed by the sealing extension 90.

The pressing unit 96 preferably is designed in such a way that theconveyor element 22 has an inhomogeneous compression, particularly atleast in a non-conveying state of the conveyor element 22, along themaximum overall extent of the sealing region 102 or the sealing line,particularly along a maximum circumferential extent of the annularconveyor element 22. The pressing unit 96 has at least one pressingelement 98, 100, particularly at least one clamping ring, wherein theconveyor element 22 is designed in an annular manner and pressed againstan inner circumference of the annular conveyor chamber element 20 bymeans of the pressing element 98, 100. The pressing unit 96 preferablycomprises at least two pressing elements 98, 100, particularly twoclamping rings, between which the conveyor element 22 is arranged withinthe conveyor chamber element 20. The conveyor element 22 preferably canbe pressed against the inner circumference of the annular conveyorchamber element 20 by means of the pressing elements 98, 100. Thesealing extension 90 particularly is pressed into the sealing groove 88due to the effect of the pressing element 98, 100 on the conveyorelement 22. The pressing unit 96 has at least the pressing element 98,100, particularly at least the clamping ring, wherein the conveyorelement 22 has at least the sealing extension 90, and wherein thepressing element 98, 100 presses the sealing extension 90 against theconveyor chamber element 20, in particular, at least along acircumferential direction of the conveyor chamber element 20,particularly with an inhomogeneous pressing force along thecircumferential direction. The pressing unit 96 has at least thepressing element 98, 100, particularly at least the clamping ring, thathas a pressing surface 104, wherein said pressing surface has a varyinglevel, particularly a varying distance from a surface, particularly aninner surface, of the pressing element 98, 100 facing the pressingsurface 104, along a maximum longitudinal extent of the pressing surface104 extending, in particular, along a circumferential direction of thepressing elements 98, 100. The varying level of the pressing surface 104preferably is formed by different maximum heights of the pressingsurface 104 along the circumferential direction. As an example, FIG. 9shows with broken lines three different positions 106, 108, 110 on thepressing element 98, in which the pressing surface 104 is intended forgenerating different degrees of compression of the sealing extension 90.The pressing surface 104 particularly has in the three differentpositions 106, 108, 110 different maximum heights that can be formed invarious ways, e.g. by varying a maximum thickness of the pressingelement 98 in the three positions 106, 108, 110 in comparison with otherpositions of the pressing element 98, by varying a geometric extent ofthe pressing surface 104 on a side of the pressing element 98 facing theconveyor element 22 or in a different way deemed sensible by a personskilled in the art. For example, the sealing extension 90 is compressedto different degrees in the positions 106, 108, 110 as a result of thevarying level. In position 106, for example, the sealing extension 90 iscompressed, in particular, by more than 10%, preferably more than 15%,particularly more than 20%, and especially more than 22%, of a maximumthickness 68 of the sealing extension 90. In position 108, for example,the sealing extension 90 is compressed, in particular, by more than 5%,preferably more than 10%, particularly more than 15% and especially morethan 19%, of the maximum thickness 68 of the sealing extension 90. Inposition 110, for example, the sealing extension 90 is compressed, inparticular, by more than 4%, preferably more than 8%, particularly morethan 14% and especially more than 16%, of the maximum thickness 68 ofthe sealing extension 90.

The pressing unit 96 has at least the pressing element 98, particularlyat least the clamping ring, and at least one additional pressing element100, particularly at least one additional clamping ring, wherein theconveyor element 22 is designed in an annular manner and pressed againstan inner circumference of the annular conveyor chamber element 22 bymeans of the pressing element 98 and the additional pressing element100, and wherein the pressing element 98 and the additional pressingelement 100 are arranged on the conveyor element 22 on opposite sides ofthe conveyor element 22. The pressing element 98 and the additionalpressing element 100 of the pressing unit 96 preferably have an at leastessentially analogous design. The pressing element 98 and the additionalpressing element 100 are arranged on the conveyor chamber element 20mirror-symmetrical, particularly in order to press the conveyor element22 against the conveyor chamber element 20 and to press the sealingextension 90 into the sealing groove 88. The conveyor chamber element 20has at least the groove, preferably the sealing groove 88, whichparticularly extends along an inner circumference of the annularconveyor chamber element 20 and into which at least the sealingextension 90 of the particularly annular conveyor element 22 is pressedby means of the pressing element 98, particularly the clamping ring,and/or by means of the additional pressing element 100 of the pressingunit 96, wherein a compression of the sealing extension 90 isinhomogeneous along a maximum longitudinal extent of the sealingextension 90, particularly along a circumferential direction of theconveyor element 22. Alternatively or additionally to a varying level ofthe pressing surface 104 of the pressing element 98 and/or theadditional pressing element 100, it is conceivable that the conveyorelement 22 has at least the sealing extension 90, which is pressedagainst an inner circumference of the annular conveyor chamber element20 by means of the pressing unit 96 and has a varying maximum thickness68 along the maximum longitudinal extent of the sealing extension 90,particularly along a circumferential direction of the conveyor element22. Different designs of the pressing unit 96 deemed sensible by aperson skilled in the art for generating an inhomogeneous compression ofthe sealing extension 90 along the circumferential direction in thesealing region 102 are likewise conceivable.

1. A conveyor device for at least conveying a fluid with at least oneconveyor chamber, with at least one dimensionally stable conveyorchamber element that particularly is formed separately from a housingand at least partially delimits the conveyor chamber and with at leastone elastically deformable conveyor element, particularly a conveyormembrane, that delimits the conveyor chamber together with the conveyorchamber element and is arranged on the conveyor chamber element, whereinthe conveyor chamber element comprises at least one connecting piece fora fluid supply line adapter, which particularly is designed to differfrom a hose, and/or, in particular, at least one additional connectingpiece for a fluid discharge line adapter, which particularly is designedto differ from a hose, and wherein said connecting piece/connectingpieces is/are arranged on a side, particularly on an outer side, of theconveyor chamber element facing away from the conveyor element,characterized by at least one movement compensation unit that is atleast designed for at least partially compensating and/or dampingrelative movements between the fluid supply line adapter and theconnecting piece when the connecting piece is connected to the fluidsupply line adapter and/or for at least partially compensating and/ordamping relative movements between the fluid discharge line adapter and,in particular, the additional connecting piece when the additionalconnecting piece is connected to the fluid discharge line adapter. 2.The conveyor device according to claim 1, characterized by at least onefunctional unit), particularly a filter unit and/or a valve unit, aswell as the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge lineadapter, wherein the functional unit is at least partially arranged inthe fluid supply line adapter and/or in the fluid discharge lineadapter.
 3. The conveyor device according to claim 1, characterized inthat the connecting piece and/or, in particular, the additionalconnecting piece particularly is/are respectively arranged on at leastone transverse extension of the conveyor chamber element.
 4. Theconveyor device according to claim 3, characterized in that theconnecting piece and/or, in particular, the additional connecting pieceparticularly has/have a respective principal axis that extendstransverse, particularly at least essentially perpendicular, to aprincipal plane of the at least one transverse extension.
 5. Theconveyor device according to claim 1, characterized in that theconnecting piece and, in particular, the additional connecting piece arearranged on the side, particularly on the outer side, of the conveyorchamber element facing away from the conveyor element such that they arealigned differently, particularly in an opposed manner.
 6. A pump withat least one conveyor device according to claim 1 and with at least onehousing for accommodating the conveyor device, wherein the conveyordevice comprises the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluiddischarge line adapter, which extends/extend from the conveyor chamberelement at least up to an outer side of the housing when the conveyordevice is arranged in the housing.
 7. The pump according to claim 6,characterized in that the fluid supply line adapter and/or the fluiddischarge line adapter are arranged on the housing and/or the conveyorchamber element in a removable manner.
 8. The pump according to claim 6,characterized by at least one securing unit for securing the fluidsupply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapter on thehousing by means of the form-fitting and/or frictional connection. 9.The pump according to claim 6, characterized in that the connectingpiece and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece arearranged such that they are spaced apart from an inner wall of thehousing, particularly viewed along a principal axis of the connectingpiece and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece, when theconveyor device is arranged in the housing.
 10. The conveyor deviceaccording to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting piece and/or,in particular, the additional connecting piece particularly is/arerespectively arranged on at least one transverse extension of theconveyor chamber element.
 11. The pump according to claim 7,characterized by at least one securing unit for securing the fluidsupply line adapter and/or the fluid discharge line adapter on thehousing by means of the form-fitting and/or frictional connection. 12.The pump according to claim 7, characterized in that the connectingpiece and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece arearranged such that they are spaced apart from an inner wall of thehousing, particularly viewed along a principal axis of the connectingpiece and/or, in particular, the additional connecting piece, when theconveyor device is arranged in the housing.
 13. The pump according toclaim 8, characterized in that the connecting piece and/or, inparticular, the additional connecting piece are arranged such that theyare spaced apart from an inner wall of the housing, particularly viewedalong a principal axis of the connecting piece and/or, in particular,the additional connecting piece, when the conveyor device is arranged inthe housing.